My camera has been a welcome companion over the course of my life. During childhood I documented family gatherings with the Christmas gift of a Brownie Box. My dad’s brand new Polaroid fascinated all of us and was used often and with great care. During college a Kodak Instamatic was always in my book bag and then my backpack, as I traveled through Europe chronicling gorgeous cities and lush landscapes. But it was in my 30s during architecture school in Boston with a 35mm film camera and darkroom that I developed a deep appreciation for photography as art, demanding that I consider light more carefully, glance from a different perspective, and frame a scene with artistic intentionality. A well-considered image held in perpetuity on film delighted and fascinated me.  From then on I was hooked on seeing differently, peering past the ordinary and into visual mystery. Observing with this new vision and a continually honed sense of wonder has sustained my sight and soul more than I could have imagined. It provides moments of sanctuary to me at every turn.

During the inevitable isolation and challenge of the pandemic years, I have been ever so grateful for easy access to the extraordinary beauty of my Concord surroundings, veritable sanctuaries within a mile or two of my front porch. Daily saunters have taken me to well-known and hidden local places along with ventures into my beloved Boston and way beyond to Downeast Maine, the Pacific Northwest and Costa Rica. These explorations have put a smile on my face, lifted my spirit and at times restored my very soul. Now I rarely leave home without the company of my “dear companion and recording secretary”, an iPhone Pro, which helps me to remember moments as it chronicles these beloved sanctuaries that provide surprise, consolation, and restoration. I share my photographs here in the hope that they might offer something that beckons you to come out and stand where I have stood — in delight and wonder — and more importantly be always on the lookout for your own.

And maybe even bring your camera along!

With gratitude for this opportunity, 

Barbara Aiello
Concord MA

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